Monthly Archives: June 2013
Disney Consumer Products Showcase 2013
Jun 29
Keith made his way to the Fall 2013 Disney Consumer Products Showcase. He got to see a sneak preview at what toys will be coming from Disney for this fall season. We see Princess toys, baby toys, and much more. Sofia and Jake make their way into the video too!
Keith Lapinig
http://www.KeithLapinig.com
Top 5: Reasons to see Monsters University
Jun 28
Like tons of others, I went to see Monsters University. It earned $82 million in it’s opening weekend and is the second highest grossing Pixar film, behind Toy Story 3. What does that say about the film? People were foaming at the mouth to see more of Mike and Sully, or maybe that this film was marketed well by Disney-Pixar and it appealed to all demographics, or maybe that this film seemed like some sort of saving grace for Pixar after Cars 2 and Brave not hitting home runs. Any way that you want to answer the question, it’s all true. Monsters University was a great prequel to Monsters Inc. and the two films together make a great duo. Myself? I have several reasons to go see Monsters University. Here are my top 5 reasons.
#5-The College Movie Genre. I’m a big fan of films like Animal House, Road Trip, Van Wilder, and Revenge of the Nerds. Despite them all not being PG (more like rated R) these films have become staples amongst a genre that no animation studio has attempted to take on. For good reasons, animation and family film studios have steered clear of the raunch-filled college comedies. That is, until now. Pixar decided to attempt a college film that was funny and had all the excitement you get with the frat houses and first days of school, but leaving out all of the sex and curse words. What they made was a brilliant movie about how all of our favorite monsters met and the fun that they had during their college years. This film by itself, wouldn’t work as a college film, but as a prequel to Monsters Inc., it seems like a no brainer. Pixar attempts the genre specific film and does it really well.
#4-The Continued Awesomeness in Graphics. Brave showed us how photo realistic the world could be in a CG animated film. They continue that here. In Monstropolis, everything is colorful and exciting and cartoon-ish, but when the Monsters cross over into the real world (Somewhat of a spoiler. Sorry!) we are met with a world that feels like ours. The trees, the lake, the cabin. It all feels like something we could see on a summer vacation. The Monsters really shine in the real world as well due to their mismatching colors in this world. Along with the realism, we get these great shots of monsters. Sully’s hair moves so well and you can see each of his hairs, as well as with other characters like Art. Pixar continues to step up their game in graphics and really show why they are the leaders in the CG animation field.
#3-Cameos from Monsters Inc. This film packs in lots of surprises including some cameos from characters in Monsters Inc. Roz, Little Mikey, and Randall, the Abominable Snowman,and George all make appearances in the film and we get to see them before their adventure in Monsters Inc. I enjoyed these throwbacks to the original film. As well as these cameos, we also get to see the luxo ball, A113, and the Pizza Planet truck, like we do in most Pixar films.
#2-Voice Talent. Out of all of the Pixar films, I think this is my favorite as far as voice actors go. Pixar really stepped in to give us newer, younger names. Of course Billy Crystal, John Goodman, and Steve Buscemi are still involved in the film, but we have newcomers like Nathan Fillion, SNL funnymen Bill Hader and Bobby Moynihan, Aubrey Plaza from Parks and Recreation, and my favorite, Always Sunny’s Charlie Day. The characters are brought to life by a wonderful cast of voices and you don’t even realize who some of the actors are until reading the credits. (That’s Pixar! Giving me a good story that I don’t care about the voices.) Looking back, I could hear all of these guys in my head and I loved all of their parts. It made for a better comedy and a much more entertaining film overall.
#1-The Friendship Between Mike and Sully. At the heart of this film, we aren’t really getting all of the other aforementioned things. We are supposed to really see the beginnings of a friendship between Mike and Sully. Due to the nature of that, this film really has a lot of soul and I came out of the theater thinking that these characters are better friends than Woody and Buzz. It’s amazing how wonderful the writing is for these two characters and how they are pushed to the edge together, only to be forced into being best friends and eventually, they bond on a great level and need each other.
Did you see Monsters University? What did you think of the film? What do you think of my list? Would you recommend it to others? Leave your thoughts and comments and be sure to come back often,
Josh Taylor
https://ModernMouseRadio.com
Disney Food: Play N’ Dine Character Breakfast
Jun 26
The Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood and Vine is located off of Hollywood Blvd. at Hollywood Studios. It is a character buffet that currently features June from Little Einsteins, Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Handy Mandy, and Special Agent Oso. We had 8:15 am reservations, which was before the park opened that day. I was a little apprehensive since I wasn’t sure how reservations before the park opened were handled, but as always, the cast members had it under control. There is actually a sign for the Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood and Vine above where you should line up. A cast member will then walk through the line with a tablet to confirm reservations. When they are ready, the cast members will open the gates for guests with reservations and direct guests to Hollywood and Vine.
We were seated immediately and our server brought our drinks right away. June was the first character to visit us. My two year old daughter’s favorite part of Little Einsteins is when they pat their laps before they blast off. June was super sweet and did that part with my daughter. Next was Jake. He was the most entertaining. My husband was sitting with his back to the diner and Jake snuck up behind him and scarred him. I don’t think my girls laughed that hard our entire vacation. My 11 year old stepdaughter still teases him about it. Handy Mandy and Special Agent Oso followed Jake. They were not nearly as engaging as June and Jake. I hope that they replace Handy Mandy and Special Agent Oso with Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First in the future. My two year old is a huge Sofia fan.
There was also a dance area set up for the preschool aged children. A cast member would call all the characters and any children and parents who wanted to dance to come up and join them. My two year old had a blast. Even though my 11 year old doesn’t like to admit it, she had fun too. Shh! Don’t tell her I told you!
The food was breakfast cafeteria buffet type food. Examples include biscuits and gravy, made to order omelets, Mickey waffles, pancakes, frittatas, casseroles, breakfast meats, and pastries. One thing not to miss: warm apple cobbler with vanilla soft serve ice cream. Yes, you read that right. You can have that for breakfast! Being from the South, I felt right at home and loved this buffet! This was one meal that the whole family agreed is a must do again on our next visit!
Alexia Christensen
http://www.DestinationsinFlorida.com
Disney Trip Planning: Adult Vacations
Jun 24
A common misconception that silly, silly people have is that a Disneyland or WDW vacation is just for kids or, rather, parents with kids and their kids (I feel like I wrote “kids” way more than 3 times just then). If you are reading this article, you are likely someone who already knows this factoid, but you have someone in your life who doesn’t. Well, send this article over to them, because I’ll be sure to tell them like it is for you!
I’m not actually a very forward person, but when it comes to Disney, things get kind of serious and something needs to be said. So, to all of you people whose Disney-lover-friend just sent them this article because you think a Disney vacation is just for kids, I am here to tell you that you are WRONG! And not even a little wrong – you are actually a-whole-lot-of wrong! So wrong in fact, let me count the ways…
1. Thrill Rides – I think this needs to be at the top of the list, because it is an initial draw to people who want the opposite of kiddy-rides. I have actually never been to Disneyland (I plan on going in the near future though), but if you look at the rides California Adventure has to offer, you’ll sure to be drooling for a taste of that oh-so-appealing thrill ride line up! A couple west coast thrills include: California Screamin’, And be sure to check out some of these in WDW: Rock’n Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, and Space Mountain. Heimlich’s Chew-Chew Train has been known to get some heart beats racing, as well (not really).
![IMG_1769[1]](http://disneyparkhistory.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/img_17691.jpeg?w=474&h=355)
2. Secluded pathways/ Relaxing rides – If you are the type of person who likes to chill out and relax (chill-lax, if you will) you’ll be happy to know that there are actually some great “off the beaten path” type of areas throughout the parks and resort hotels. To name a few: walking trails at Animal Kingdom in WDW, a stroll around Port Orleans Riverside Resort in WDW, the Storybook Land Canal Boats in Disneyland, a ride on the Carousel in either coast’s park, the People Mover at WDW, boat rides to resorts, and of course the oh-so-romantic tram ride in from the parking lot to Magic Kingdom (kidding – don’t expect that last one to be romantic, then be mad at me).
3. Drinking – Josh probably thought of this one first – just saying. You can actually read my previous article on drinking at the resorts, but if you don’t feel like going to that article (but who could resist?) then let me assure you, there are plenty of places to booze it up. Really, you can act-a-fool if it so pleases you.
4. Adult Time – No, I don’t mean in the gross way – but if you want to do that, there’s time for that, too. What I mean by adult time, is more like, night life and resort hopping. So you can go either way – be kind of boring (I like being boring sometimes) and visit different resorts and just stroll around. You can even make a day of it! Or you can go all out adult-crazy-party style when visiting the Disneyland resort because they have some great night-life activities going on there, like the Mad Tea Party! Also, refer back to number 3.
5. Romantic things – For couples thinking about taking a Disney vacation – you are thinking the right thing. Dine at a signature restaurant (and keep checking back for Alexia’s restaurant reviews here for ideas), rent a bike together, watch the fireworks, and hold hands everywhere. (Also, listen to the podcast Josh, Keith, and Amanda recently recorded for more ideas on this!) Just don’t accidentally ride Mickey’s Fun Wheel in California Adventure thinking it’ll be relaxing and slow paced…
6. Reminiscing/ feeling like a kid again – I saved this one for last because it’s my favorite! Sure maybe you don’t follow newer Disney movie releases, but I know you are lying if you say you didn’t like Disney movies when you were a kid, right? If you really, truly didn’t, I feel bad for 7-year-old you. But I know you did, there’s no denying it, so let me just say how FUN it is to let yourself loose and be a kid again! Eat ice cream for dinner, skip-to-the-loo to each attraction, laugh hysterically, and let yourself get overly excited for EVERYTHING! Did you grow up in the 90s? You will literally SEE real-life (fake) Simba and Gaston and Ariel! OMGZ! Also, you should always sing along to every song you know while on a Disney vacation.
So, I just gave you six solid reasons why a Disney vacation isn’t just for kids. Are you booking your vacation yet?
What are some things you think make Disney a great place for adults? Leave your thoughts and comments below
Angie Carreiro
http://www.ILoveAnimalArt.com
Modern Mouse Radio #21: Worst Disney Sidekick Characters
Jun 23
Keith and Josh return to talk news for the beginning of June. New video games and remakes of old video games, operas touring Europe, and lots of park news. FYI, we didn’t cover the bombing at Disneyland because we felt it was something you already saw on the news.
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Keith’s Disney Cruise (Part 4)
Jun 22
In the latest video, we celebrate pirates on board the Disney Dream, take a look out on the veranda of Keith’s state room, do a little pin trading, eat again…duh, and say goodbye momentarily as Keith and family leave the ship only to return for a second trip on the Disney Dream in our next video!
Keith Lapinig
http://www.KeithLapinig.com
Top 5: Disney World Spots Sadly Abandoned
Jun 14
Walt Disney World is made up of 47 square miles. It’s a large plot of land. Some things have been built and continue to thrive on that Florida swamp land, and other things have sadly faded away. Strangely enough, some places have been completely abandoned. Let to rot away, these places are still there as if they were a ghost town. It’s like they didn’t want to toss anything out and knew people wouldn’t see it so it was just left as it was on it’s last operating day. So where are these places? Here are my top 5 Disney World spots sadly abandoned.
#5-Discovery Island. If you are unfamiliar with Discovery Island, it’s a small island on Bay Lake (near the Magic Kingdom) originally hosting a variety of animals and birds. It was a place you paid to visit and see animals as well as walk the trails of the island. It opened in 1974 but was closed in 1999 when the animals were moved to Disney World’s new park, Animal Kingdom. The island’s inhabitants found a new home, but sadly enough, the island never found a new reason to live at Walt Disney World. Ideas floated around like Myst Island, based on the popular computer game, or Lost Island, based on the popular television show, but nothing has been decided on for the island. In the meantime, it sits abandoned with everything except for the animals that once inhabited it. Now it is overgrown with the 250+ different plant species it once prided itself on and the facilities that were used by cast members are now rotten old buildings.
#4-Food Rocks! In the 1990s, Food Rocks! was one of my favorite shows at Epcot. I loved the Land pavilion simply for this show. When it closed up, it eventually made way for Soarin’ but here is a little secret, the actual stage was never ripped out. Walls were put up and it was placed out of view. When you are in line for Soarin’ it sits just on the other side of the walls, animatronic figures and all. I know that Food Rocks! or anything like that show will never return, but I feel like this is just laziness to keep this here. In the years to come when Soarin’ changes and the queue needs to be expanded, Imagineers will tear down that wall and wonder what the heck that stage is and why it’s still there..
#3-River Country. Disney’s first water park was less of a water park and more of a water playground. Both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon made River Country look like a back woods red-neck park, but that was it’s appeal and charm. It was simple and fun. River Country was opened in June of 1976 and was closed in 2001. Due to new laws about water usage in parks across America, the original Disney water park had to cease operations. Rather than fix the problems and change the park around, it was decided that the other two parks were good enough and River Country was left to rot. Music still plays through the speakers, ights still turn on at night, and the slides once slippery with water are now faded and decomposing.
#2-Wonders of Life. An entire pavilion that slowly faded away in the early 2000s. It does get used for seasonal seminars but not in the way it should. Like it’s name, this pavilion came to life with Body Wars, Cranium Command, and a slew of different activities to show you how to stay healthy. The main room has been cleared for the most part but Cranium Command and Body Wars were boarded up and just left to sit. Will the pavilion ever come back to life or be used in a meaningful way? Nobody knows, but it sits and it’s sad because some of us who pay to see these seminars can still see the signs that once got us excited to see these attractions that now sit dormant.
#1-Image Works. First of all, you may or may not be in love with the changes made to the original Journey Into Imagination and what it has become. Regardless, the Imagination pavilion is really missing something and that is the second level of the building and it’s Image Works playground. There are so many things that people loved on the second level that still sit untouched, including the Rainbow Tunnel. It hasn’t been announced that the second level would reopen and it seems like it never will. That’s the unfortunate part because you can imagine it right about your head as you are riding through. All of it’s wonder, stuck upstairs and never to be played with again.
What are some of your abandoned places you wish were still around? What do you think is next to be abandoned? Will any of these places see the light of day again? Leave your thoughts and comments.
Josh Taylor
ModernMouseRadio.com
https://ModernMouseRadio.com
Disney Food: The Crystal Palace
Jun 12
The Crystal Palace is a Winnie the Pooh and friends character buffet located just past Main Street U.S.A in the Magic Kingdom. The restaurant is inspired by Victorian greenhouses of the late 1800s and brims with light, topiaries and tropical palms. I was very surprised by how beautiful it was! Despite being very busy, we were seated right away. Our server was very friendly and helpful. He not only addressed the adults in my family, he also took the time to talk to my children to find out what type of food they liked. He never once rushed us through our meal the way some servers in other restaurants do. In my opinion, he was one of our best servers from our trip.
The characters of The Crystal Palace were my favorite. They were the most interactive and acted just as you expected their characters to be. Tigger was bouncy and energetic. Winnie the Pooh was sweet. He gave lots of hugs and kisses. Piglet was shy and seemed nervous to meet everyone. Eeyore was very depressed and moped around. Although I have heard that Rabbit sometimes makes appearances as well, we did not see him. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time for this meal. These characters take breaks very often so it does take them a while to make it to each and every table.
Of course, my two year old loved this meal. She is a huge Winnie the Pooh fan. Surprisingly, my eleven year old stepdaughter loved this meal as well. She is very anti-princesses and thinks she is too old and cool for them. I thought she would think a Winnie the Pooh character meal would be too babyish, so I was very surprised when she picked this restaurant. She absolutely loved it though and was smiling the entire time!
The food at The Crystal Palace was my least favorite table service restaurant. It was typical buffet food. Nothing really stood out. Selections included sirloin, rotisserie chicken, Atlantic salmon, peel-and-eat shrimp, turkey, mashed potatoes, chicken nuggets, and pizza. I expected a lot better food considering how beautiful the restaurant was and how wonderful the character interaction was. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t bad food. It just wasn’t as good as the other table service restaurants we ate at. It was rather disappointing.
After we left The Crystal Palace, people were beginning to line up on Main Street U.S.A. for the Main Street Electrical Parade. We were able to get great spots to view the parade! I would strongly recommend making dinner reservations a few hours before the Main Street Electrical Parade. Most nights the parade begins around 9:00 PM; however, it is subject to change. It was the perfect restaurant to be at in the evening!
Alexia Chrtistensen
Disney Trip Planning: Finding the Perfect Ear Hat
Jun 10
Wearing your first set of Mickey ears is sort of a rite of passage. If you don’t already know about the Disney hat craze, you will soon realize it the second you step on property. So, now you’re planning a trip to a Disney resort and are considering buying one for yourself, but how do you know which hat is right for you? Here’s a little guide to help!!!!:
There are so many varieties of hats you’ll see in the parks, it’s almost impossible to choose just one, and this chart hasn’t even begun to show you all of them! And, of course, this guide isn’t to be taken too literally; I mean if you’re a girl and you like Toy Story and want to wear a Woody hat, by all means, do it up! (and guys, those princess hats will probably go great with your eyes). What’s your favorite hat? How many have you worn? Are you looking forward to your first hat? Leave your thoughts and comments below!
Angie Carreiro
http://www.ILoveAnimalArt.com
Keith’s Disney Cruise (Part 3)
Jun 8
In part 3 of Keith’s cruise, you’ll see Castaway Cay, Disney’s own private island. Here you’ll see biking, jet skiing, swimming, and great underwater views of the area. Keith spent some time really showing what this private island is all about, so check it out!
Keith Lapinig
http://www.KeithLapinig.com